Job Information
Linn-Mar Community Schools Special Education Teacher-Instructional Strategist II/III (Autism) - Westfield Elementary in Robins, Iowa
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Position Title: Special Education Teacher (Instructional Strategist I / II / III) Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal or Designee
Summary (Job Goal): Be dedicated to the development of lifelong learners by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to confidently meet lifes challenges as responsible, productive citizens.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.) Enhance Academic performance ](https://www.applitrack.com/linnmar/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=)]{segoe="" ui",sans-serif"=""}**
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and effectively communicate those objectives to students.
- Identify students needs and make appropriate referrals and develop strategies for individual education plans.
- Effectively communicate with parents on a regular basis outside the normal classroom day by means of newsletters, e-mail, notes, phone calls and individual parent conferences.
- Discuss student problems, behavior incidents, positive developments, and progress with parents in an honest, sensitive, and confidential manner.
- Promotes parent participation and involvement in education activities provided for their children.
- Confer and cooperate with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting student learning, following approved curricula.
- Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems.
- Identify students showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
- Engage in collaborative work and contribute to team planning.
Competence in Content Knowledge
- Support instruction through an Individual Education Plan for students with special needs, aligning with District adopted curriculum.
- Provide individual and small group instruction designed to meet individual needs of students.
- Develop and use instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of students with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturities.
- Enrich the educational program through study/field trips to community locations and through community member classroom visits. Share and interpret these experiences with students and parents.
- Instruct students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and regulations and procedures of the District.
Planning/Preparing
- Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
- Plan individual and group activities to stimulate academic, social and emotional growth.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Translate lesson plans and activities into developmentally appropriate learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of students work.
- Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
- Develop individualized educational plans that meet State and Federal Guidelines.
Instructional Strategies
- Implement individual and group activities to stimulate academic, social and emotional growth.
- Foster cooper tive social behavior through activities and group projects to assist children in forming satisfying relationships with other children and adults.
- Instruct children in practices of personal cleanliness and self care.
- Develop in each student an awareness of his/her worth as an individual and his/her role in his family and community.
- Utilize technology - computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment in the delivery of instruction.
- Utilize research based teaching strategies.
- Engage students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional, and academic growth.
Methods to Monitor Student Learning
- Evaluate students academic and social growth by monitoring individualized education plans and progress reports.
- Utilize assessment materials and make appropriate classroom student assessments.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on students and activities as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Administer standardized ability and achievement tests in accordance with the district testing program, and interpret results to determine students developmental levels and needs.
Classroom Management
- Establish, implement, and enforce rules and procedures for appropriate classroom behavior, to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Model and maintain standards of responsible student behavior.
- Implement effective individualized behavior management strategies and curriculum accommodations.
Professional Growth
- Attend professional in-service activities and teacher training workshops provided by the District as well as self-selected professional growth activities in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
Professional Responsibilities
- Effectively communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with colleagues, supervisors, and students.
- Plan and coordinate the work of educational assistants and other professional support staff, parents, AEA support staff.
- Select and requisition developmentally appropriate classroom materials, instructional aids and supplies.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
- Supervise students in out of classroom activities during the assigned work day.
- Participate in curriculum development programs as required.
- Participate in faculty committees and sponsorship of student activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises students and/or educational assistants as assigned and/or required to maintain a safe and orderly environment which is conducive to learning.
Minimum Education or Experience (Will vary depending on specific position): B.A. or B.S. degree, M.A. preferred Cross-cultural experience preferred. Special education teaching experience desired. Instructional Strategist I: Mild and moderate. Instructional Strategist II/III: Physical disabilities, mental disabilities, behavior disorders. Early Childhood Special Education.
Licensure or Certification: Holds and maintains a valid Iowa Teaching License with appropriate special education endorsement required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (To perform this job successfully, an individu